Sara Nausch ’11

A sociology and history major at Wheaton, Sara Nausch works in the staffing end of the technology industry, assessing the hiring needs of chief information officers and IT managers and connecting them with talented professionals throughout the United States.

She typically engages with executives when they are implementing a new system or enhancing an existing one. “I have an interesting perspective on the technology industry, because I’m able to see trends on both sides of the table.” She knows what companies are looking for in new hires, and she also understands what job seekers expect from employers.

Women in technology
In the spirit of the Sit With Me project, the Quarterly is showcasing several alumnae working in the industry. Coming from backgrounds that include a variety of majors and working in a wide range of jobs, from designing Navy destroyers to creating educational software, they illustrate the many opportunities available and the many paths into the field that a liberal arts education offers.

“To be successful, you need to listen to your client, develop a plan for implementation, and articulate to your team what needs to be done,” she says.

Although Nausch knows that women excel in this work, it is still a male-dominated industry, she says. “I don’t see many female IT managers and have yet to speak with a female CIO. You must be a trailblazer. Be prepared to be the only female on-site. Relish in that fact and make your voice heard.”